Camilla Franks Sydney Travel Guide
WHAT TO DO IN… SYDNEY
When it comes to Sydney, there’s no better person to ask than Camilla Franks, founder of resortwear label CAMILLA. Her personal style fits the laid-back Sydney mindset: “I’ll often mix a pair of modern pants and a vintage kimono I’ve uncovered at a flea market with some antique beads around my neck and wrists thrown on for good measure,” she says. The designer grew up in the city and is now based in the Alexandria area. She and her team conjure up their exotic, travel-inspired creations from a former ‘warehouse-turned-rave-cave,’ now an airy space dotted with treasures brought back from her travels. Here, Franks shares her favorite Sydney spots for when you do manage to get out and about…
Sydney style is…
All about casual dressing: a mix of denim and beachy influences, mixed in with vintage finds – the city’s thrift stores are full of cotton sundresses that are perfect for styling with well-loved sneakers and an oversized shirt for a relaxed vibe. That said, there’s more to Sydney than the beach. The dress-code for evening if you want to dress like a local? A slip dress with a slouchy blazer and some barely-there sandals.
SPEEDO’S COFFEE, BONDI BEACH
“After a mermaid dip and a run on my childhood beach Bondi, I love my Speedo’s coffee. It has become a morning ritual.”
NSW ART GALLERY AND THE MCA
“To center myself and get inspiration for collections, I’ll wander round the NSW first and follow the magical harbour line to the MCA. Bliss.”
VENUSTUS, PADDINGTON
“Incredible when I want to get my hippie on... which is often! Their healing therapies are world class.”
THE SYDNEY LOOK
Laid-back, multipurpose pieces with a beachwear slant: a great hat, oversized sunnies, your favorite denim, some breezy kaftans, sundresses that also work for evening, slouchy shirts to use as cover-ups, flat sandals – plus a pair of dressier midi heels for evening.
MORE OF CAMILLA’S RECOMMENDATIONS:
BEST LUNCH SPOT
North Bondi Fish - “Amazing fresh seafood…”
COOLEST PLACE TO STAY
Contemporary Hotel - “I love Contemporary Hotel for their amazing houses stretching all the way from Sydney up to Palm Beach. If you like the classic hotel vibe, stay at the Park Hyatt – overlooking the Opera House and Sydney Harbour.”
BEST PLACES TO DRINK AND EAT LIKE A LOCAL
10 William, Paddington - “I can’t seem to keep away… it is owned by the Italian food mafia and keeps getting better and better.”
Poly, Surry Hills - “An amazing natural wine list and delectable share plates – good for feasting with friends.”
The Dolphin, Surry Hills - “The best drinking hole celebrating good Australian pub food.”
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar - “You can find me there for a drink (or sometimes behind the bar!) before a gig at The Enmore.”
Hubert - “Go on a Thursday night for live jazz and a great French feed.”
BEST SWEET TREATS
Bourke Street Bakery - “I can’t go past this without popping in for baked treats and the best pies.”
MORE MUST-DOS…
Snorkeling at Clovelly
Taking a picnic to Milk Beach to watch the sunset